As sharecroppers it was our responsibility to take care of the crops from tilling the fields to harvesting them. That included planting, keeping the weeds out, and protecting the crops from insects. Often the landlord hired outside help to get all the work done. The major crop was cotton, but corn and watermelons were also grown.

Bed time was sundown. We slept on a mattress filled with straw or corn shucks. Under the mattress, was un-evened coiled springs which were very uncomfortable. During the summer, the windows were left open while we slept. During the winter before bed, we warmed ourselves at the fireplace then ran to the bedroom and got under heavy homemade quilts. We were awaken before daylight to a breakfast of biscuits, molasses and eggs.

Most of the time we lack the clothing to match the seasonal temperatures. Family members who had moved to northern cities and found work frequently sent us secondhand clothing.

Our work in the field started at sunrise and ended at sundown. Everyone went to the field, even the babies. A quilt or blanket was placed on the ground under a shade tree for the children to sit and play, babysitting themselves. My mother would take a break from work to feed them. Before the end of the day, flies and ants were everywhere. During cotton picking season the baby was placed on my mother’s cotton sack as she picked cotton.

Overcomer by Hope, the confident expectation of some good.